I want to offer you my sincere apology for stepping away without warning. If my sudden absence left you in the dark or hurt anyone’s feelings, I am truly sorry. I owe you an honest explanation of where I’ve been and why taking that step back was essential.

Between 2025 and 2026, my life reached a point where continuing day-to-day operations simply wasn’t sustainable. During that time, I was experiencing debilitating, 12-hour panic attacks at least once a week. I was confronting unresolved trauma stemming from an abusive childhood and surviving childhood sexual abuse, along with compounding personal challenges.

A large part of why I started TheColdCases.com in the first place is tied directly to that history. Many of the horrific things that have happened to the victims we cover happened to me as well—specifically surviving sexual abuse. My drive has always been rooted in empathy: standing up for people who do not have a voice, fighting alongside the marginalized, and demanding justice when everyone else looks away.

During my break, that core conviction didn’t stop—it just shifted focus. I turned my energy toward confronting bullies in my home state of Oklahoma who were making life miserable for my friends. Stepping in to defend people I care about aligned with the exact reason I do this work: refusing to let vulnerable voices be silenced.

At the same time, I finally focused on getting the medical care I desperately needed. Thankfully, I am now on a medication—Zoloft—that has effectively balanced me out and put an end to those brutal 12-hour panic attacks. With proper treatment, stability, and perspective, I am in a much healthier and stronger place.

I am officially back at TheColdCases.com. My commitment to investigative work, honoring victims, and standing with those who need an advocate is stronger than ever. Thank you for your patience, your grace, and for continuing to stand with me.

— Dustin

An Important Update: Where I’ve Been…